Left Polperro Harbour at 05:45. The winds were light and from the NW, I motored watching dawn arrive
with the sunrise over Plymouth.

After rounding Rame Head and going up Plymouth sound we
crossed the 'Bridge' at the western side of
Drake Island arriving at the Cremyll Ferry it was time to drop anchor for some hot porridge and a cuppa. Anchored at the Cremyll Ferry Terminal

Had a kip and then
contacted Mayflower Marina just opposite to reserve a berth for the
night.

As
winds were from the North I decided to motor up the Tamar for a quick
passage and then sail back down.Lots of interesting things to see as you go up the Tamar passing
all the big naval ships on the Starboard side with Torpoint to port.
There were three Torpoint ferries working so had to make a dash through
in the gap. It was then an easy cruise up to Saltash and the twin
bridges. We motored under the bridges and then hoisted the main for a
leisurely cruise downwind and river.

The wind picked up as we went further down river so we sailed over to
Southdown where there are quite a few traditional boats. After spending
most of the day up and down river with a good
sail around it was time to go into my berth at Mayflower Marina. Many
yachtsmen have commented on the currents that are around the marina so I
was interested to discover them for myself. There is plenty of movement
in the water around the pontoons but it will depend on the state of the
tide. I had spring tides which just means you have to be a bit careful
making your landing.

CRINKER at the Mayflower Marina Berth

It was a pleasant stay at the marina, the facilities are good, there
is a fuel dock with Diesel, Unleaded and Gas, Fresh water on most
pontoons and a chandlery with food and general store items. The private bathrooms were
a bit of a luxury and spotless. After having a hot shower I met the MD
of the marina who gave me a welcome chat and told me allsorts of local
info both on the water and what was available ashore. They are getting
ready for the Americas Cup which starts in a couple of weeks. After
dinner at Jolly Jacks which is a bar, cafe and restaurant within the
marina it was off for
a kip onboard. I got the impression that the marina had a great sense of
community and a friendly atmosphere from the people I met. There is deep
water under most pontoons and some berth holders have lobster pots over
the side and one boat owner has reportedly caught a 50lb Conger Eel
while alongside.

Cast off from Mayflower Marina at about 06:00 as I had to make the
tide in Polperro to be back on my mooring.

Crossed the 'Bridge' again in the dark. (If you look on your chart
the 'Bridge' appears to the west of Drakes Island, a bit of a short cut
up the Tamar. Originally this gap was filled with rubble by the Navy
during the second world war. They were concerned that the German subs
might shoot a torpedo through the gap and up the river. After the war
the rubble was left there but they cleared a small channel which is
marked and is now called the Bridge)

Crossing the 'Bridge'

Again winds were light NNE so after a short attempt to sail I had to
motor to stay on schedule. Reached Polperro a little after 09:00. A good Picarooner
roundtrip voyage
of approx 40 nautical miles. There are many more interesting things to
see and do in the Tamar river so a return voyage will have to be done
soon.

If you enjoyed reading CRINKER'S Log to the
Tamar Bridge
why not sign her guestbook. HERE

Short
video below

Please drop me an e-mail if
you discover any broken links etc.
CrinkerPolperro at aol.com